I'm scared of insubstantial things... What's consuming your subconcious?

-- Atara (atara@raex.com), September 22, 2000

Answers

Job angst. For months, all I could think of was how much I disliked work, and how I needed another job, but that would require moving(to find a job in my field), and I didn't want to move since I'd never find any friends, but damn this job sucks, and I wish I could find a new one...

Well, I finally found a new job. And it requires moving, but not right away, and not out of Chicagoland. They pay is substantially better, and it has the potential to be interesting.

So, now my subconcious is free to obsess about the other things it obsesses about. No shortage, unfortunately.

-Jim, behind on his reading.

-- Jim (aureth@cornwuff.com), September 28, 2000.

Dying unmourned.

-- Nemo (noone@nowhere.com), October 02, 2000.

Apparently I'm also afraid of making phone calls...

-- Atara (atara1@yahoo.com), January 24, 2001.

When I read your journal posting about your fear of making phone calls I thought you ought to know that you aren't alone. There are many who more than hesitate before dialing and put off making appointments and the like just for that reason. I've gotten better at it over the years likely because I spent my whole day with a headset on taking those calls -- Sigh, I work for a Baby Bell so shoot me.

When you re-invited the query of fear my immediate thoughts were of those things of a physical nature--sharks, bears, and snakes. I have a REAL thing about snakes! But that isn't what frightens me the most. I would have to say the lost of control over things. I have an inordinate fear of losing my job, my home, my security. No matter how hard I work I cannot relax completely for that fear even sneaks into my dreams.

Working the job I do doesn't help. It's cutthroat on both ends--via management and the customers. I like my paycheck and I like MOST of my customers and that helps. I work the job for my paycheck and to keep my family and my home afloat. Then it leaves me a little time for me. I guess that's one of life's trade-offs.

I could rattle off a list of other insecurities, but that's the big one.

So Sarah, next time your hands sweat over making a phone call, just think how happy you'll make the person you're calling. Just envision their face lighting up with a smile. Believe me, most people on the receiving end of a call are happy to get it. That's why everyone runs to the phone when it rings!

Carol

-- Carol Jane Remsburg (remsburg@shore.intercom.net), January 25, 2001.